The WVU Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) is set to receive approximately $1.76 million in grant funding, which will consist of a just over $1.23 million contribution from the Appalachian Regional Commission as part of their POWER initiative and around $536,000 in matching funds from local partners. OEDC Director of Outdoor Economic and Community Development Andy Williamson expressed excitement regarding the large number of funds incoming to the economic development program, which will be used to help improve outdoor recreation systems across all of West Virginia’s 55 counties.
Morgantown, W.Va. — In a significant boost to West Virginia’s burgeoning outdoor
economy,
West Virginia University’s Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
(OEDC)
has secured a $1,232,256 grant from the
Appalachian Regional Commission with an additional $536,155 in match from local
partners totaling $1,768,411. This funding will be used to launch the
West Virginia Community-driven Outdoor Recreation Economies C.O.R.E.) Initiative,
a strategic suite of programs designed to expand the state’s outdoor recreation
economy and strengthen its local communities, serving all 55 counties. This award
is part of a recently announced $68.2 million award package supporting 65 projects
in 188 coal-impacted counties through ARC’s
POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization)
Initiative, which directs federal resources to economic diversification projects
in Appalachian communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant
operations, and coal-related supply chain industries. The CORE Initiative will
launch four impactful programs aimed at building essential infrastructure, fostering
statewide collaboration, and driving sustainable growth across West Virginia’s
outdoor recreation economy—WV Outdoor Business Alliance, WV Outdoor Nonprofit Hub,
WV Trail Training & Education Resource Center, and Strategic Convenings of
WV's Outdoor Economy Ecosystem —all aimed at building infrastructure, fostering
collaboration, and promoting sustainable growth across West Virginia’s outdoor
sectors.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in business management with an emphasis in human
resource management from West Virginia University in 2023, Pennsylvania native,
Ian Thayer, knew exactly where he wanted to begin his post-grad journey: in West
Virginia!